The choice of accommodation can make or break a luxury vacation. A day of adventuring, sight-seeing and indulging in culinary delights deserves lavish lodgings to complement it. The ideal hotel should see guests refreshed and revitalised for another day of exploration ... but oh so reluctant to leave their surroundings!
Credit: Kodiak Greenwood/Post Ranch Inn
Monterey County does ‘luxury’ like a seasoned pro. For those who travel to eat, it offers two Michelin starred restaurants by way of Aubergine and Chez Noir, in addition to numerous Bib Gourmands. Relaxation (or ruthless competition, depending on one’s modus operandi) can be found at Pebble Beach, the US’s No 1 golf course. It is also host to a number of prestigious events such as the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance, the finale of Monterey Car Week, regarded as one of the most significant car shows in the world.
Our latest article takes a look at Monterey County’s most luxurious accommodation, where a hotel is more than just a place to rest one’s head for the night...
1. The Lodge at Pebble Beach
Many aspire to play a round of golf at the globally renowned Pebble Beach – spending the night here steps it up to a whole new level. In addition to the convenience of access to the course, it is a mark of prestige for guests to stay at the Lodge which overlooks the infamous 18th hole. This is a golfing holiday like no other and a truly unique experience for those seeking a memorable escape.
Credit: Pebble Beach Resorts
From garden spas to ocean view rooms of Stillwater Cove and the landscaped gardens and course below, each dwelling is designed with quiet luxury in mind. Guests can choose from seven unique restaurants on site, serving delicacies such as sustainable seafood and top quality meats, meaning they need never stray far from the tee.
Pebble Beach is paradise for those who enjoy the finer things in life and other amenities include luxury shopping, a world class spa and complimentary access to the Beach and Tennis Club. Guests can also enjoy perks such as access to Lexus test drive vehicles, concierge and childcare services.
2. Alila Ventana Big Sur
Those seeking an escape from the pressures of everyday life will be expertly indulged here. Guests can benefit from all-inclusive dining, non-alcoholic beverages and a personalised programme tailored to physical and mental wellbeing. Accommodation comes in the form of private suites equipped with outdoor hot tubs or a glamping experience amongst the Redwoods for those hoping to reconnect with nature. On-site dining includes ingredients from the hotel's expansive organic garden and can be enjoyed alongside a breathtaking view of Big Sur itself.
Credit: Alila Ventana Big Sur
During the day, guests can experience several hiking trails in the area’s glorious surroundings on top of the many state parks reachable by car. Those wanting to stay closer to home are spoiled for choice with an abundance of activities on offer including meditation, forest bathing, falconry, beekeeping and even axe throwing - truly, there’s something for everyone.
Naturally, with its focus on restoration and harmony, visitors can also enjoy a spa experience like no other as outdoor cabanas allow for a massage amongst the Redwoods, soaking in the ocean breeze. An escape here is a transformative experience and ideal for guests searching for mental and physical rejuvenation.
3. Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley
Nestled amongst 28 acres of rolling vineyard and year-round sun, Bernadus Lodge is a wine lover’s dream. Whether for a special weekend away, honeymoon or treasured anniversary, it is a place brimming with love, romance and an intoxicating escape from everyday life.
Credit: Bernardus Lodge
From luxury rooms to decadent suites, each room is designed with elegance and comfort in mind. In a fast-paced world where the days blur into one, at Bernadus Lodge, guests are invited to slow down, savour each moment and focus on themselves and each other. The seasonal dining is centered around a farm-to-table experience which draws upon the estate’s extensive organic herb and vegetable gardens, fruit trees and vineyard – perfect for guests conscious of their culinary carbon footprint.
From gentle lawn sports to yoga and swimming, the aim is to rejuvenate and revive guests before returning them back to the real world. However, those who seek relaxation in more strenuous activity will delight in the open tennis courts and nearby endurance hikes at neighbouring Garland Ranch regional park.
For couples new and old, Bernadus Lodge is the perfect setting to conjure up romance and escapism as guests focus on living in the present and all the joys it brings.
4. Carmel Beach Hotel, Carmel-By-The-Sea
Holidays in nature often conjure up images of temperamental campfires or battles with mosquito nets. Not so at Carmel Beach Hotel where guests can immerse themselves in a natural paradise and then retreat to a hotel adorned with the finest luxuries.
Credit: Carmel Beach Hotel
Spanning seven historic buildings, and with an intimate 26 guest rooms and suites, Carmel Beach Hotel is the newest offering from the award-winning Mirabel Hotel and Restaurant Group’s. Surrounded by miles of stunning panoramic coastline, the hotel is perfectly placed for numerous walking trails allowing hikers to see an array of birdlife, such as Californian Brown Pelicans, Elegant Terns and Terek Sand Pipers, alongside sea otters, sea lions and harbour seals. For those keen to get a closer look, an experienced divemaster is ready to take explorers on a guided scuba tour at Carmel and Monterey dive sites.
The charming surroundings of Carmel Village see visitors immersed in a quaint world of fairytale cottages, hidden passages and whimsical architecture with a short stroll to the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Souvenir hunters can delight in streets of unique artisan boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
For guests who simply want to arrive at the hotel to decompress, the accommodation serves unique terroir-inspired cuisine and hosts a rejuvenating spa.
5. Carmel Valley Ranch, Carmel Valley
Whether travelling as a family or young at heart, Carmel Valley Ranch is firmly centered on fun and the value of play. The resort is an animal lover’s paradise with experiences including ‘Grazing with Goats’, birding walks and picnics alongside the ranch’s resident donkeys. Children will delight at the chance to be a junior ranch hand as they meet animals from around the world, learn lassoing skills and even try their hand at ranch chores.
Credit: Carley Rudd Photography
There’s plenty for adults too while the kids are being happily entertained. Those looking to raise their heartrates can partake in a guided hike to spectacular country views, work up a sweat in one of the many fitness classes or enjoy an off-roading experience through miles of scenic terrain. Partners losing a loved one to the temptation of the ranch’s Pete Dye-designed golf course, and accompanying clubhouse, can steal away to the world class spa. Both spa and dining facilities showcase produce from the Ranch’s very own botanic garden.
For those who want to stretch their mind, as well as their limbs, Carmel Valley Ranch has a number of educational experiences from photography lessons to cheese and honey tastings to bath bomb workshops. With plenty to thrill adults and children alike, this is sure to be a family vacation full of lifelong memories.
6. Casa Palmero, Pebble Beach
Jet-setters who can't choose between recreation and relaxation on their vacation need look no further than Casa Palmero. Truly a home away from home, the opulent main house offers access to a library, billiards room and magnificent lounge area where guests can delight in local wines and complimentary cocktails each evening.
Credit: Sherman Chu Photography
Morning yoga sessions and sumptuous healthy breakfast baskets can either prepare guests for a round on Pebble Beach’s illustrious course or set the tone for a day dedicated to restoration and wellness. Private access to classes at the Beach & Tennis Club and calming on-site activities such as sound healing ensure guests’ mental and physical wellbeing are well catered for – whatever their desired activity level.
A heated outdoor pool with complimentary sunscreen, spa water and a daily amuse bouche provides the perfect retreat to absorb the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Golfers looking to rest their aching muscles will enjoy the resort’s world class spa, one of only 90 in the world to receive the esteemed Forbes Five-Star Award. Naturally, a personal concierge is on hand to ensure every aspect of the stay exceeds expectations.
7. La Playa Hotel, Carmel-By-The-Sea
It’s always a privilege to stay in a hotel with a rich and intriguing history. La Playa, also known as ‘The Grande Dame of Carmel’, started life as a mansion designed by artist Christian Jorgensen in 1905 as a present to his wife Angela, a daughter of San Francisco’s Ghirdadelli’s family. From gift to boarding house to luxury lodgings, the hotel has seen many famous faces pass through its doors. In 1983, Steve Jobs chose La Playa to showcase the first Macintosh Computer prototype at a development team retreat.
Credit: La Playa Hotel
The hotel’s reputation for opulence has not diminished over the years. Guests can indulge themselves in a daily champagne brunch before stepping out onto the white sands of Carmel beach. The hotel’s exquisite gardens provide a serene oasis for a romantic stroll.
If guests can tear themselves away from the beach and the blooms, Ocean Avenue and Carmel Village are steps from the door offering world class dining, restaurants and boutique shopping. Opportunities for day trips abound such as Carmel Valley Wineries and Point Lobos State National Reserve, where nature-lovers will appreciate the incredible ocean views, diverse wildlife and incredible hiking trails. With the world famous Pebble Beach links also a short drive away, La Playa is an incredible destination for explorers looking for true diversity in their vacation.
8. L'Auberge, Carmel-By-The-Sea
Despite being mere moments from the famed Carmel beach, L’Auberge doesn't rely on location alone. True, guests can easily stroll to the numerous galleries, restaurants and shops nearby, yet there is plenty to keep them in L’Auberge itself.
Credit: L'Auberge Carmel
In-house Forbes Five Star restaurant Aubergine should tempt guests to dine in for at least one night of their stay. Their acclaimed team of chefs expertly capitalise on the region’s abundance of fresh and flavourful ingredients via a daily changing eight course tasting menu. Guest rooms are exquisitely decorated featuring antiques ranging from the 18th, 19th and 20th century.
Curated guest packages are available for visitors requiring assistance with activities and excursions such as a sunset boat tour of beautiful Monterey Bay. L’Auberge provides the perfect surroundings for guests looking to be close to the action before returning to an in-room massage and luxurious night’s rest.
9. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur
Having just been awarded the title of No 1. Hotel in the World (under 50 rooms) in the Andrew Harper Members’ Choice Awards, Post Ranch is the perfect candidate for those seeking an unforgettable vacation.
Credit: Post Ranch Inn Big Sur
Whether it’s the breathtaking coastline or towering Redwoods, each room offers a majestic view with scenery unrivalled throughout the world. From mountain lodges to private hot tubs overlooking the ocean, guests would be forgiven for spending the whole stay inside their room. Post Ranch even offers enchanting treehouses for those who dream of sleeping under the stars. Dining is firmly focused on sustainability with an emphasis on farm-to-table and ingredients sourced from the local area.
Activities are plentiful with numerous beaches, hikes and parks nearby. Meanwhile, Post Ranch itself offers yoga, meditation and the chance to relax in heated infinity pools overlooking the Pacific, in a programme of rejuvenating experiences designed to provide their guests a true escape.
10. The Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach
Golfers who like their games infused with luxury are truly spoiled for choice at Pebble Beach. The Inn at Spanish Bay is a romantic hideaway featuring classic and stylish furnishings designed with comfort in mind. Surrounded by Monterey Pines, most rooms include a private patio or balcony, with breathtaking views of the pine forests, beautifully landscaped grounds or the Pacific Ocean, allowing guests to enjoy a morning coffee or evening aperitif in complete tranquility.
Credit: Randy Tunnell / The Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach Resorts
While beautiful Monterey Bay can fill days of exploration, The Inn’s proximity to exquisite fine dining, a world class spa and private member fitness clubs may see guests unwilling to leave their little slice of paradise.
The latest experience at The Inn is Stave Wine Cellar. Part lounge, part wine shop, the venue offers connoisseurs access to a treasure trove of local wines - the perfect ending to a day in the club or on the course. The expertly curated wine store allows guests to take away their beverages of choice and provides a unique souvenir for those left back home.
Looking for more inspiration for your client's next California road trip? Check out See Monterey's dedicated luxury portal here.
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